Founding Member of Church of the Nazarene in Guadalajara
Julia Valencia Flores, an instrumental individual in the Church of the Nazarene in Mexico, passed away on March 5, 2019. She was part of the generation who began the work of the Church of the Nazarene in Guadalajara, Mexico.
Sister Julia came to the church thanks to the influence of her uncle, Juan Flores, who belonged to a group of evangelical Christians called “Jesus the Nazarene.” They had come out of the Baptist Church because of disagreements over the doctrine of sanctification and holy healing. In this group, Julia’s father, Pánfil, gave his life to the Lord. Her mother, Simona, made the same decision later. Led by Pastor Víctor Godínez the group joined with the Church of the Nazarene on Dec. 3, 1933.
Julia met a young man named Francisco who was attracted to the church by the choir. Julia was a choir member for many years. The two eventually married and started a family.
Julia, along with her husband, had a powerful influence over the lives of her children, who became servants and leaders devoted to enlarging the Kingdom of God.
Their surviving children are: Francisco Córdova, Abigail Córdova, Priscila Córdova, Isaac Córdova, Gamaliel Córdova, Samuel Córdova, and Jorge Córdova, who serves as the Field Strategy Coordinator in Mexico for the Mesoamerica Region. Daniel Córdova and Eunice Córdova are already in the presence of the Lord.
Dr. Jorge Córdova remembers his mother always encouraging her children to praise God with their voices and talents. Both parents prayed that their children would give their lives in service to God. Three of them have served or are currently serving as pastors: Daniel for more than seven years in Guadalajara and Leon; Samuel in Neosho, Missouri, USA since 2004; and Jorge in Guadalajara from 1990 until now. Dr. Jorge added that his mother was a woman of prayer. She served and helped those in need. She gave three pieces of advice to her children: Love God above all else, serve God with your families, and never lift your hand against a servant of God.
“We thank God for allowing us to have a mother who taught us the path of salvation and the beautiful and privileged passion to serve God with all our hearts,” said son Samuel Córdova.
Keep the children, grandchildren and other family members in your prayers as they face the difficult loss of their beloved Julia Valencia Flores.
Source: Samuel Córdova and Dr. Jorge Córdova
